Title: More Than a Blind DateSeries: Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch #8
Pages: 246
Publication Date: July 20, 2024
Publisher: Phrey Press
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Synopsis:
I need a fake fiancé for the next six months. That shouldn’t be too hard to find, right? Hopefully my blind date is in a good mood because I’m about to put my desperation on full display by asking him to pose as my fiancé for six months.
The cute cowboy not only agrees to my crazy plan to get my family to leave me alone until my brother’s wedding, but he’s also so good at playing the part, going above and beyond, that it makes even me believe this whole charade is real.
When he turns all protective, I start to wish we weren’t pretending. But fake or not, Dallas makes me feel brave enough to stand up for myself.
During the six months, the lines blur and as the end of our agreement approaches, I’m not sure we’re pretending anymore. And now that I’ve grown a spine, I’m brave enough to admit I want the real thing with him.
But after the wedding, Dallas acts like our deal is done and walks away, dragging my happily-ever-after along with him. If he can’t trust me enough to talk about what changed his mind, then we aren’t meant to be.
Except I think we are. Nobody’s that good at faking love.
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This is such a sweet and charming romance! From when we first met Dallas earlier in the series, he’s had a grumpy personality, so to see a different side to him is fabulous. He’s such a kind and caring man, and underneath that grumpy exterior lies a real sweetheart. Rose is a positive influence in his life, and her optimism and understanding help Dallas heal. And I love how supportive and encouraging Dallas is, especially when it comes to Rose’s complicated and tense family relationships. He is always on her side and by her side, and it’s a good thing because she needs it.
Rose’s parents are the worst! They treat her horribly and expect her to just do whatever they say even though she’s an adult who can make her own decisions. They hold her dreams as bargaining chips to get their way, and their relationship is all kinds of unhealthy. Luckily, Rose grows a lot over the course of the story and gains more autonomy over her life.
Though Rose and Dallas are only pretending to be a couple, the lines between fake and real blur quickly. They have a super sweet grumpy/sunshine romance that starts with a sweet meet-cute, and it only gets better from there. And I enjoyed seeing the grumpy Dallas acting like a big teddy bear only for Rose. It was super sweet and cute.
I also love the people and the small-town charm of Stargazer Springs. Though most of the characters aren’t related by blood, they feel like a family complete with fun times, bad advice, and some amazingly special moments and conversations. The found family vibes really stand out in this story since it contrasts Rose’s toxic family so well. I love that Rose finds the support, acceptance, and respect from the Stargazer Springs family that she never gets from her own. Because of these wonderful people, especially Dallas, she gains the confidence to stand up for herself. Dallas’s aunt Tandy is one of my faves, and I have to mention Floofy, Rose’s sweet kitten, too. So cute!
The author mentioned that when she started this book, she thought it would be the last in the series, but the characters convinced her otherwise. I’m so happy because I definitely want to come back to the Stargazer Springs Ranch again! Special thanks to Phrey Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- fake dating
- grumpy/sunshine
- only 1 bed
- cowboy mmc
- found family
- small town
- age gap
Remi Carrington is the figment of Pamela Humphrey’s imagination. She loves romance & chocolate, enjoys disappearing into a delicious book, and considers people-watching a sport. She was born in the pages of the novel Just You and then grew into an alter ego. She writes sweet romance set in Texas. Her books are part of the Phrey Press imprint.
This sounds like a wonderful series, Julie. I’ve not heard of this author, but just checked her backlist and she has written quite a bit. Great review.
Yes, she has a bunch out. I need to read several in her backlist. Her stories are always sweet and charming.